Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1887-09-02
* >GAl:lnotun Stan2..
jHEI )USEoN THE MARSH
TIE YSTERY OF THE ALDERS.
BY FLORENCE WARDEN.
CHAPTER XVIII.

CHAPTER XVIII
vi. n Sir Jonas left me next NOR
ing at the gate of the Alders a sense "'
aesolation came over me. The hou>-
: i'll held many mysteries which could
l.ot solve. Was Mrs. Rayner real
lad, and if so why had no suspicion
the fact reached the gossip-lovin
,.ighborhood? Was Sarah really Mr..
Rayner's guardian; and was she not
title mad herself? Why did she hal
ne so? Oh, what might she not do j.
or wicked dislike again got control oi
n? Haidee was unwell and not V.
p for the day. So l went upstairs.
hoping there was at least note from
Laurence, but was informed there Were
no letters, for me. At dinner l must
lave appeared rather pensive for Mr..
Rayner remarked that did not look
any better for my visit and that di>>i
pation evidently did not agree with me.
In the afternoon was allowed to go
% Haidee's room. The day was cold
and it was without ire. l wonder
why they did not move the child. WIN
was really ill, into another room. She
.'lasped her little hot snds around my
eek as soon as l came in and insisted
should tell her ali had done since
Tent away. So made little story OF
leaving out what was not proper she
Mould hear and dwelling upon such
oints as feeding chickens, gathering
overs and cutting grapes.
Haidee begged SO hard to have me
sc tea with her that I consented
,hen we were alone she said, yer.
,oftly:
Last night that hateful Sarah made
mamma cry. heard her through the
',oor. Mamma is frightened of Sarah
id so am l. Hush! somebody is al
yays listening"
But no listener could have heard her
soft whisper; even l, with my ear
lose to her lips, could scarcely catch
he faint sounds. l comforted her.
Did her Sarah would not hurt her or
mamma either and stayed with her
until she went to sleep.
Then 1 wrapped myself up in a
shawl ard went to look at my ''nest."
And there. leaning with his back
against the tree which formed my seat,
las Laurence. gave a cry of delight
md ran forward; but he only raised his
nat and said:
Good evening, Miss Christie"
stopped short. overwhelmed With
dismay. Then l said, in quite low
husky voice. for l could scarcely get
the words out:
Laurence, why do you speak like
that? Aren't you glad to see me?'
why should be glad to see you.
Mss Christie? can't hope to show
20 advantage in your eyes after the
more amusing society you have just
IT."
What do you mean: What society
10 like better than yours!'
Oh, you are very kind; and I dare
say do very well as a makeshift when
acre is no more exciting amusement
, be had"
'Oh, Laurence, how can you say
sch cruel things? Are you angry be-
cause went to Denham Court, and
cause enjoyed myself? 1 couldn'
Up it, every body was SO kind. But
ought of you all the time. and |
'.ishcd with all my heart that you had
cen there"
Did you think of me while you were
ting Mr.. Carruthers whisper to you
the conservatory? And did you
link of me when you were using the
me book in church as Mr.. Carruthers.
ID feeding the fish with him in, oh.
uch an idyllic manner, and playing
< Accomplishments. and talking abou,
.ctry, and"
stop. Laurence-it isn't true, il
nj true! 1t was Mr.. Standing whose
compartments I played and who
liked about poetry with me, not"
Mr.. Standing? He's anothe,
rauty! You choose your friends well
jss Christie. feel am not worthy
be admitted among the number.
IN too dull"
You are too rude" said I, my spiri
-!ng. II don't know what you NEAR
calling them beauties, but none O.
ne gentlemen you sneer at would have
aought of insulting me and trying +
ake me unhappy, just because some
mes talked to other people"
mo, you tried to be impartial, see
ion were on the river between twelve
nd two o'clock in the morning will
il the men-visitors at Denham Court
we're you?'
NO" said 1; then stung to the quicl
" his sneers-"I wasn't at Denhan
Court long enough"
'Oh!" said Laurence, moro angrily
ham ever. He was 20 angry that b.
Degan to speak again two or three
lines. but only stammered and brok'
Of. At last he said: 'You-you wer'
lot there long;'but you made good use O
your time; for by this morning the fam,
of your exploits had spread all owe
the neighborhood.
my exploits!''
Yes. This morning, before you ar
rived, Mr.. Rayner had heard of them.
Mr.. Rayner has a friend stayin!
there" said !. with sudden caution.
'Oh. more mysteries! So Mr.. Ray
ner set 'Py upon you; I can quite be
II did not mean that OF cours
he would not think of such . thing
Mr.. Rayner has said nothing TO M
about my conduct, which you seen
to think 20 disgraceful.
Mr.. Rayher! No, Of course q
would not mind. It is nothing to hin
whether you endanger your reputation
by going out alone late ut night wit
one Of the most notorious fast me-
about town."
" But how could tell he was motto
rious. Lawrence?" said IL couldn'
be spirited any longer; 1 wanted t
cry. "And he didn't say wicked things
Oh, Laurence, don't be harsh to me
How could tell?"
He was touched ut last; the han
with which he had been angrily pull
ing at his mustache dropped, and h
was turning slowly toward me, whel
the church clock and the faro
Beaconsburgh town-hall clock bega
to strike seven together.
"Oh!" said I, half turning instinc,
ly toward the house.
What is it," asked Laurence. sud
denly stifening again.
Mr.. Rayner. promised to be il
the drawing-room to accompany III
violin ct quarter to seven"
Pray don't let me detain you,
said he, between his teeth. -" an
sorry I.came at al to disturb YOU !,
Your medftations upon'yo late enjoy
ment. But. as shall leave Geldhan
for the Riviera in two days, and sha
not have another opportunity of seem.
you before 60, l took the liberty O
COMING round The ->- .. -:-Ic